Cargill axes palm oil supplier over human rights

Agricultural giant Cargill has suspended business with a major Guatemalan palm oil supplier that has been accused of human rights violations and environmental degradation.

Chris Schraeder, director of sustainability communications at Cargill, said the company had cut ties with its supplier Reforestadora de Palmas del Peten (REPSA) because of violations of its commitment to sustainable oil.

“The suspension is in response to grievances raised by a coalition of international and Guatemalan NGOs,” he said.

“We will not enter into new purchase contracts with REPSA until the supplier can demonstrate adoption of the required sustainable environmental and social practices.”